Free and Breezy is Just So Easy

By Eric McCammond Ranked #105 - Men's Hiking and Climbing Shorts May 31, 2010

I became a huge fan of the old Mountain Kilt right after they discontinued it...snagged up one of the last ones on clearance. When I bought it, I had no idea if I'd like it...always liked the idea of hiking in a kilt but didn't know how I'd feel out on the trail. My first trip out was November in Northern Japan...a little on the brisk side. I was an instant fan. Nothing can touch the comfort of hiking in the Mountain Kilt. I was smiling the entire weekend.

The new Elkommando feels the same as the Mountain Kilt, light, comfy, and functional. Folks who criticized the Mountain Kilt for being too much like a skirt will appreciate the pleats on the Elkommando. The fit changed drastically between the 2. I am 6'3", 185lbs and wore an XL in the Mountain Kilt, but a L on the Elkommando. The Mountain Kilt sizing was one size off from what I'm used to while the Elkommando is right on with my typical pants size.

I still see alot of criticism that the Elkommando is "not a real kilt." I'll have to agree that its not a real kilt, but doing a long hike in a real wool kilt would be ludicrous with the modern materials available. Others compare the Elkommando to the "Utilikilt". Anyone who considers heavy canvas superior to the Elkommando's material is not a serious hiker.

So, if you want an authentic kilt, buy a real tartan wool kilt. If you want a gimmicky man skirt, buy a Utilikilt. If you want the most comfortable, functional hiking garment on the planet, buy the Elkommando. The only negative thing about the Elkommando is that I've not figured out how to wear my rockclimbing harness without chasing my belay buddies off.

View Details: Mountain Hardwear Elkommando Kilt - Men's

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